There are lots of fun and quirky things to do in Hepburn Springs and Daylesford. Together with visiting wineries and spending time in nature and the great outdoors.
Dubbed “The Spa Capital of Australia” Daylesford and Hepburn Springs lie northwest of Melbourne. Melbourne to Daylesford is approximately an hour and a half if travelling by car. It’s an easy drive, mostly on a freeway until the last half hour of the journey. I’m sure Day Spas outnumbered Pubs and THAT in Australia must be a first!
Daylesford is an old gold mining area and sits about 600 meters (1968ft) above sea level, so the temperatures differ from Melbourne, being colder and wetter throughout the year. Not knowing this caught us out a little on the first night, leaving the doors open with only the fly screen doors to protect us from insects, we really felt the drop in the overnight temperature.
Although we stayed in Hepburn Springs to Daylesford it’s just minutes away. Daylesford tends to be where the action is. Well, the most action there IS in two sleepy little townships with a combined population of 3,000.
Arriving Monday before lunch and departing at lunchtime on Wednesday, we found that two days wasn’t enough to explore Dayleford Hepburn Springs thoroughly despite the small townships.
Heck, I could have spent two weeks reviewing different Day Spas. Even visiting one Day Spa Daylesford would have been lovely, however, they completely priced me out of their market for ANY treatments as I found treatment prices over the top.
Despite having only two days to explore, we did manage to see quite a bit of both Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, here’s what we discovered.
Things To Do In Hepburn Springs And Daylesford
1. Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve – Mineral Springs Daylesford
Hepburn Springs name is no accident as it has the largest concentration of Mineral Springs in Australia.
You can safely drink from the springs and on both occasions when we stopped to fill our bottles, we were joined by a few locals from Hepburn Springs Daylesford with a crateful of empty bottles for filling. Mineral springs they were, think Pellegrino with the taste and the fizz turned up!
We found plenty of information too from the history of the springs to the various mineral content that the water holds.
2. The Boathouse Daylesford
Spending an hour or so at the Boathouse Daylesford is delightful! Beautiful food and scenery plus a little of the local wildlife are on show if you are lucky enough to see them. We saw a few cockatoos and ducks that were cruising around on the lake.
Oh yes, and the food was pretty good too! I had the Avocado Smash and 65 degrees Egg.
3. Lavendula Lavender Farm Daylesford
Lavandula is a Lavender Farm developed by Carol White over 30 years ago. She purchased the run-down property that started its life in the mid-1800s as a Dairy Farm. The beautiful stone buildings have been lovingly restored by Carol where she lived for 7 years as the Italian families had done hundreds of years ago.
With an entry of just $5 for adults, it is worth every cent to take a tour of the property and listen to its history. The main building with its foot-thick stone walls was once home to Aquilino and Maria Tinetti and their 13 children.
I can’t imagine how they coped with no electricity or running water in this rural area, but they did. Back in the day, they were much savvier regarding environmental building, considering their surroundings and the elements to build a home that was cool in Summer and warm in Winter.
Not just a Lavender Farm, Lavandula has a Trattoria, accommodation and a small rustic shop where you can purchase Lavender products, essential oils, and other gifts.
The store also has a historic area where you are welcome to pull up a chair and read about the history of the property. We found it a pleasant way to finish our visit to Lavandula.
As an added bonus, the Lavandula Lavender Farm is also pet friendly so you can take your furry friend along.
4. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
No visit to the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area should go without visiting Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Established in the late 1800s there are many old trees throughout the Botanic Gardens at Wombat Hill and a variety of foliage. King Charles has even planted a tree there.
If you feel up to it you can climb the 90 stairs up the narrow spiral staircase, to the top of the tower.
In its day, before all the trees grew, I’m sure they would have been some spectacular views of the area however, most of the trees now hide the view.
Wombat Hill is a cool and beautiful place to escape the heat of the day. There is a cafe there called Wombat Hill House. Unfortunately, it was Tuesday when we visited and like many places at the time like many eateries in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs the cafe was closed. Now, (at the time of writing) the cafe is open from Friday to Tuesday.
5. The Mill Markets Daylesford
The Amazing Mill Markets is an absolute “must do” when visiting Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Talk about a walk down memory lane!
The Daylesford Mill Markets are located at 105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford and if you are visiting other parts of Victoria they are also located in Geelong. They also had a store in Ballarat, however, that appears to be closed (at the time of writing).
The Mill Markets holds Australia’s largest eclectic mix of collectibles, home decor, fashion, antiques and industrial. There really is something everybody.
You’ll find antiques, Australian pottery, vintage clothing, fine china, old vinyl records, vintage furniture, industrial items, jewellery, homewares, retro memorabilia and collectables. You name it and I am sure you will find it there.
6. Other Things to Do in Daylesford
You could have a massage in Daylesford as there is a collection of Day Spas in the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs areas. After all, it IS known as the “Spa Capital of Australia.”
There are also plenty of wineries near Daylesford, again being Tuesday only one opened. As Melbourne to Daylesford driving time is only an hour and 30 minutes, we were told weekends are very busy. Melbournians escape the city for a little rest and relaxation so the townships come alive at those times.
Where To Stay In Hepburn Springs And Daylesford
Daylesford Holiday Park
Daylesford Holiday Park is the ideal place to park up and look for things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
Surrounded by giant Western Redwood trees and located near the beautiful town of Daylesford, the park offers a range of accommodation options to suit all tastes.
Whether you are travelling in a
Utilities include two amenity blocks, a camp kitchen, a children’s playground and Old Stone Hut, where an open fire can be lit in the cooler months.
Plus, they are very dog friendly, with an off-the-leash area in Victoria Park right next door.
Enjoy the many spa retreats, restaurants, cafes, galleries and specialty shops that Daylesford has to offer and make the Daylesford Holiday Park your home away from home.
They also offer
- Address: 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford VIC 3460
- Phone: 03 5348 3821
Jubilee Lake Holiday Park
Jubilee Lake Holiday Park is the perfect place for a memorable family holiday experience.
Situated in the heart of Victoria’s stunning Macedon Ranges, just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, the park offers an array of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
From camping and glamping to cabins and powered sites, this family-friendly holiday park has something for everyone.
Onsite, enjoy the lake views and a café serving coffee, cold drinks, hot food, homemade cakes, Devonshire Tea and much more.
There is also a kiosk with Paddleboat and canoe hire, ice, wood and kindling, fire pit hire, gas bottle purchase and exchange. Plus, bird seed to feed the peacocks, and locally sourced tackle is available.
Redfin and Trout are stocked annually in Jubilee Lake, so don’t forget to pack the fishing rod!
Fire pits are provided with most cabins, with the option to hire one at a small fee. Pet-friendly options are also available.
All bookings require one night deposit to secure.
- Address: 151 Jubilee Lake Road, Daylesford, Victoria, 3460
- Phone: 03 5348 2186
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Weather
Expect temperatures at the following times of the year to be:
- January and February from 11℃ – 26℃
- March and April from 6℃ – 23℃
- May and June from 2℃ – 14℃
- July and August from 1℃ – 12℃
- September and October from 3℃ – 18℃
- November and December from 8℃ – 24℃
Wrap Up
Discover some quirky places to visit and some of the best things to do in Hepburn Springs and Daylesford.
If you land in the Daylesford Hepburn Springs area mid-week you will most likely find a few businesses closed. However, the weekends are more lively and you’ll find all businesses are open including wineries in the area.
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With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
